MALASAKIT SA KOOPERATIBA: BONG GO’S SUPPORT TO COOPS CONTINUES AS PINDASAN MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE SHARES ITS SUCCESS STORY

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has once again underscored the crucial role of cooperatives in fostering economic growth and addressing the needs of various sectors of society. As a staunch advocate for community-based initiatives, Senator Go expressed his continued support for cooperatives nationwide, highlighting their ability to empower local communities and contribute to inclusive development.

An example of the senator’s commitment is the Pindasan Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), based in Mabini, Davao de Oro. As one of the beneficiaries of the “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba” program implemented by the Cooperative Development Authority, PMPC shared their heartfelt gratitude for the senator’s unwavering support.

Through the program that Go advocated for, PMPC received financial support amounting to PhP 50,000. According to their testimonial, the assistance resolved their capital shortage, particularly for purchasing rice. With the aid, the cooperative has transitioned from purchasing rice once every three weeks to twice weekly, ensuring a stable supply for its members and consumers.

“In a recent Board of Directors meeting, our manager reported significant improvements. The financial support not only met the needs of its members but also helped generate additional income for the cooperative and its stakeholders,” the cooperative shared.

The PMPC Board of Directors, officials, and members expressed their gratitude to Senator Bong Go and the Cooperative Development Authority Region XI (CDA XI), saying, “To Senator Bong Go, many thanks! And to CDA XI, thank you for the excellent work.”

The Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program is part of the CDA’s Human Capital Development Program, which Senator Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, has been advocating for in the Senate. His efforts include ensuring the inclusion of additional funding for cooperative programs in the national budget.

“Alam po natin ang malaking papel ng mga kooperatiba sa pagpapaunlad ng ating lokal na ekonomiya, lalo na sa mga komunidad na ating pinaglilingkuran. Ang bawat isa sa inyong mga samahan ay instrumento ng malasakit, pagkakaisa, at pag-asa para sa inyong nasasakupan,” Go remarked, emphasizing the cooperatives’ role as pillars of progress and unity in their areas.

The financial support, facilitated through CDA as advocated by Go, was intended to strengthen the capacity of these cooperatives to improve members’ livelihoods and provide better opportunities.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa Cooperative Development Authority, ating ipinaglaban ang programang Malasakit sa Kooperatiba upang makatulong sa inyong mga proyekto na magpapaunlad ng inyong komunidad at makakatulong sa mas maraming miyembro,” he added.

For Senator Go, feedback like this fuels his dedication to continue supporting cooperatives across the country. “Napakasarap marinig na ang kaunting tulong ay nagdulot ng malaking pagbabago. Ang tagumpay ng PMPC ay patunay ng kakayahan at determinasyon ng mga Pilipino sa kanayunan,” he said.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for more programs that uplift cooperatives and their members. He also called on fellow public servants to extend their support to similar initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in helping cooperatives thrive.

“Sa pagtutulungan natin, mas mapapalago pa natin ang mga kooperatiba sa bansa. Ang tagumpay nila ay tagumpay din nating lahat bilang mga Pilipino,” Go added.

With Senator Bong Go’s advocacy and the efforts of the CDA, cooperatives across the country can look forward to more opportunities to grow and succeed.

“Ang aking sipag ang isa sa mga pwede kong i-alay sa kapwa nating Pilipino dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah. Merry Christmas po sa lahat. May you have a happy healthy New Year,” concluded Senator Go.